1. Missile Impact on Ben Gurion Airport
On May 4, 2025, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile that struck the perimeter of Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. The missile caused significant damage to a road and a vehicle, prompting a brief halt in air traffic. Photos and footage verified by Al Jazeera showed debris scattered on surrounding roads, and the Israeli military confirmed that their defense systems failed to intercept the missile despite several attempts. Eight individuals sustained injuries from the strike, according to Israeli paramedics.
The attack, which temporarily shut down the airport’s operations, was claimed by the Houthis, who stated it was in retaliation for Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Despite an alert for air raids, the airport resumed operations after a brief suspension, though many international airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Air India, canceled their flights for the day.
2. Retaliation and Increased Tensions
In response to the missile strike, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, vowed to retaliate against the Houthis. Netanyahu emphasized that both Israel and the U.S. would act decisively against the group. Katz warned that any attack on Israel would be met with a “sevenfold” retaliation, a reference to the Torah’s concept of severe retribution. The Israeli leadership framed the attack as part of a broader campaign by Iran-aligned forces against Israel, with some figures calling for further action against Tehran.
The Houthi spokesperson, Yahya Saree, declared Ben Gurion Airport unsafe for air travel and warned airlines of further attacks, intensifying the already volatile situation.
3. Ongoing Conflict and International Impact
The missile strike at Ben Gurion Airport is part of a broader conflict involving Yemen’s Houthis, Israel, and regional powers. Yemen’s Houthis have continued their missile attacks despite heavy U.S. military bombardment of Yemen. U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s al-Jawf, Marib, and Saada districts followed the missile strike, leading to further casualties. Meanwhile, the violence in Gaza has seen devastating consequences, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip killing thousands, further exacerbating the crisis in the region.
As tensions escalate, Israel’s military and diplomatic responses are likely to increase, with both local and international stakeholders closely monitoring developments. The strike on Ben Gurion Airport not only disrupts air travel but also signals the growing reach and sophistication of Houthi attacks, impacting international relations and the security situation in the Middle East.
